450 



British Cage Birds. 



feathers. The rump is slaty grey, slightly spotted with 

 brown ; the thighs, and below the knee, are covered with 

 feathers, and are termed hocks. The inside and linings of 

 the wings are silvery grey, barred with darker grey ; the 

 inner wing coverts are beautifully spotted with pale rich 

 brown. The breast is a mixture of brown, pale chestnut, 

 and yellow ; the throat, upper part of neck, and breast, are 

 striped with brown longitudinally ; the lower part of the 

 breast, sides, and abdomen, are variously marked with round, 

 brown spots ; the vent is plain, and of a slaty grey and brown 

 mixed ; there is a faint line of a dusky hue from the gape, 

 running downwards, at the sides of the neck, forming a slight 

 under-curve. The shanks and toes are yellow, and the claws 

 black. 



SoNa. — The Kestrel Hawk does not sing ; it simply squalls, 

 or screeches, in a loud, ringing manner, when angered or 

 hungry. Its call differs somewhat from that of other Hawks, 

 and sounds more like "die, die;" but it is difficult to 

 convey the sound in words. 



Points to be Observed in Judghng. — Select a long, neat, 

 graceful, noble-looking bird, very closely feathered, rich 

 in colour, and distinctly marked, with well-formed hocks, 

 wings, tail, feet, and claws ; a two or three-year-old bird 

 is best, as Kestrels do not attain their adult plumage until 

 two years old. The exhibit must be in good condition, free 

 from dirt, and trained to be steady and tractable whilst being 

 handled. 



General Remarks. — The young birds should be handled 

 frequently, and, when a fortnight old, carried about daily in 

 the open air, perched on a finger, for at least half an hour 

 at a time. Boys can soon tame these birds if they are 

 partial to them. As soon as the young can fly, let them be 

 placed on a garden fence, or similar spot, before feeding, 

 and entice them with a piece of raw flesh to come to your 

 hand or shoulder to be fed ; they soon learn what is required 

 of them. When fully fledged, and able to take care of 

 themselves, they may be given their liberty ; they will not 

 stray far away, and are sure to return, unless it be in the 

 early spring or late autumn, when there is a danger of their 

 joining their species ; at this time it is advisable to keep the 

 birds caged for a few weeks at least. 



